Philippines: Holcim Philippines recorded sales of US$490m during 2022, down by 1% year-on-year from US$499m. Sales rose by 9% year-on-year to US$266m during the second half of the year, 53% of the full-year figure. Throughout the year, the producer increased its alternative fuel (AF) substitution rate by 20% year-on-year and processed 1Mt of waste from industrial partners and local government bodies. Digitisation initiatives and alternative raw materials substitution helped the producer to reduce its specific CO₂ emissions by 7%. The Business Mirror newspaper has reported that the year also brought 'surging' energy and fuel costs for the producer.

President and CEO Horia Adrian said "In the face of extraordinary challenges, our company and people displayed tremendous resilience that enabled us to deliver positive financial performance and contribute to building progress in the country. Alongside a strong sales rebound in the second half and expansion of our customer base, we accelerated the decarbonisation of our operations."

Japan: Sumitomo Osaka Cement will launch its new sustainability committee on 1 April 2023. The committee will promote initiatives to reduce the producer's CO2 emissions and help it to 'realise a decarbonised society.' The new committee will operate alongside Sumitomo Osaka Cement's existing corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee, which has been in operation since April 2020.

Portugal: Setúbal District Council has submitted its opinion in the on-going consultation process over Secil's plans to expand its Arrábida quarry in Arrábida National Park. The quarry serves Secil's Outão cement plant. The Jornal de Negócios newspaper has reported that Secil has applied to expand the quarry up to a total area of 117 hectares, and says that the newly expanded quarry would have less impact on the landscape and environment than it currently does.

Setúbal District Council acknowledged Secil's 'clear effort' in its rehabilitation of exhausted sections of the Arrábida quarry, as well as the company's importance to the regional and national economy. Nonetheless, it concluded that the proposed expansion 'is not compatible with the territorial management instruments in force, which are currently under revision.'

Barbados: Arawak Cement has ceased clinker production at its St Lucy cement plant. The facility will continue to operate as a grinding plant. Loop News has reported that the company now seeks to lay off 70% of the plant's staff. Negotiations between the producer and the Barbados Workers' Union are reportedly in 'advanced' stages.

In its previous restructuring in 2016, Arawak Cement offered voluntary separation packages to employees. At that time, 'unfavourable economic conditions globally and in the region' necessitated cost reduction.